An Interview with Alice Phoebe Lou
With her new album, Shelter, Alice Phoebe Lou transcends boundaries, blending folk and indie elements into a unique and captivating sound. With her evocative lyrics and mesmerizing melodies, she has captivated audiences around the world. The Berlin-based artist from Cape Town has allowed herself to heal her inner child while continuing her music journey. In this interview, I delve into Alice's creative journey, the inspirations behind her music, her experiences as a globetrotting artist, and much more. Join as I uncover the stories and passions that have shaped Alice Phoebe Lou's extraordinary musical odyssey.
Photo credit: Miriam Waldner
“Lose My Head” is such a feel-good, roll your windows down, and let your hair flow song. How did this single come to be? How do you look at certain demos or even finished products and say this is going to be that single?
A: I'm glad that's the feeling you get from it! I definitely feel such a boost of energy when I play it live and for an album with a lot of slower tempo, more introspective songs, this one really stands out as a burst of energy on the record and I felt like I needed people to hear this one soon. The words poured out of me when I was writing it, felt like a purge and a howl from somewhere deep in my subconscious. When we put the song together in the studio it felt very intuitive and easy to make, the direction was clear and it was a lot of fun!
How did this album come to be? Was there a concept first or did you just need to write?
A: I had quite a creative block at the beginning of last year after a big year of touring, and I was really struggling to find my flow in creating songs again. I ended up going to LA for 6 weeks on a whim, where I rented a little back house with a piano and had a lot of big hopes for how the time would unfold and my creativity would magically burst out of me with the change of scenery. But it was slow to come! I really struggled with isolation and being confronted with myself and feeling lost and without base. But after some struggling with my demons, I took them and wrote about them and found a soft place to express myself and the songs very quickly had a connection to each other in themes and energy. There was a lot of inner child work going on and I was finding ways to heal myself through having the hard conversations with my past self.
When does the creative production for photoshoots/music videos/album/single covers start for you? Right from the recording studio or after?
A: I really struggle with this side of things, cause I have quite a lot of tunnel vision when making an album and all my focus is about the music and little else. I feel like I make the music, finish the record and then I'm like 'Fuck, I guess I need to make an album cover now'. It's something I'd like to integrate more into the process in the future, and start dreaming up the visual side during the album process to make it more connected and cohesive.
If this album could be any array of colors, what would they be?
A: Pink (like an epic sunset) yellow (like sun rays) green (like a deep, lush forest) and dark blue (almost black, the sky and a moonless night)
What is your sonic identity? Or what do you want it to be?
A: I'd prefer for that identity to never solidify, to be ever-changing, metamorphosing, growing and shifting, although I always hope for it to feel warm and sincere.
What kind of musical themes or stories can the listeners expect to hear on the record?
A: Self love and acceptance. Finding home within yourself. Growing out of people pleasing & external validation and putting that energy into yourself so you can operate from a full cup. Listening to yourself, trusting your gut and your own tastes, ideas and opinions. Making peace and coming to terms with the past, the times you felt unsafe, the times when home was broken or ripped away. Singing to your inner child and telling them you've got their back and you'll keep them safe. Finding your place in the world.
Shelter, alice phoebe lou’s third album, is out now.